“The lion was probably present in Eritrea during recent times, from where we have no record now. However, it must be mentioned that some lions remain in Northern Ethiopia, very close to the Eritrea border, precisely in lower Tekeze river valley, Shire region”

Chardonnet P (ed.) (2002) Conservation of the African Lion: Contribution to a Status Survey. International Foundation for the Conservation of Wildlife, France & Conservation Force, USA.

Principle Threats

Trade in Lions

Lions in Culture

The first arms for the then Italian colony of Eritrea were designed in 1919. The red lion represents the Italian Kingdom, lions alluding to the Italian King who used the beasts as supporters and red being a common colour associated with Italy and also used by the ruling House of Savoy. During the Fascist regime of Italy, which began in 1926, the arms were augmented with symbols of the new government. A red chief was added, which was charged with fasces and laurel wreath. Eritrea was then absorbed into the colony of Italian East Africa in 1936, reducing it to a province of the new and larger colony. In 1941, when the province was liberated and placed under British administration, the fascist chief was promptly removed and the original arms were again employed. In 1951, the process of annexation by Ethiopia began, and the arms continued in use until the following year.